To Go Bare Down There? (Published 2019) (2024)

Smarter Living|To Go Bare Down There?

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/03/smarter-living/to-go-bare-down-there.html

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By Jen Gunter

I’ve heard a number of conflicting things on this topic; is removing or waxing all pubic hair entirely from the vagin* healthy, unhealthy, or something in between?

— Marie

Short take

Removing pubic hair is a cosmetic choice that may have health consequences for some women.

Tell me more

Before we get started we need to get one fact straight — pubic hair is on your vulva (the outside, where your clothes touch your skin) not your vagin*, which is internal or at the vagin*l opening (think of the places you touch when reaching inside for a rogue tampon).

Pubic hair serves several biological purposes. It is a physical barrier protecting the skin; it traps discharge, dirt and debris; it also traps moisture, helping the vulvar skin maintain a higher moisture content relative to skin elsewhere on your body. As each pubic hair is attached to a nerve, tugging during sex may also increase sexual stimulation. Pubic hair may also have a role in dispersal of normal odors.

Pubic hair removal is common — approximately 80 percent of women ages 18 to 65 report they remove some or all of their pubic hair.

Pubic hair removal is associated with medical risks — in one study, 27 percent of women who reported removing their pubic hair had sustained an injury at some point and 2.5 percent reported needing surgical intervention (think draining an abscess or stitches). Infections related to pubic hair removal can be very serious.

There is also emerging data that links pubic hair removal with an increased risk of some sexually transmitted infections (S.T.I.s), such as herpes and the human papillomavirus (HPV). The microtrauma of hair removal may facilitate transmission or change the environment of the area in other ways that facilitate infection.

[Have a question about women’s health? Ask Dr. Gunter yourself.]

What should I do?

Trends regarding pubic hair removal wax and wane (sorry about the pun), much like eyebrow shape. Removing pubic hair is not right or wrong, it is a cosmetic choice that has medical risks. Adults make decisions about their bodies every day; ideally those decisions are informed and reached after you have balanced your personal risk-benefit ratio.

Whatever you decide is right for your body, please do not remove your pubic hair for a visit to the gynecologist. It is not necessary and we would not want you to incur any risk of injury or infection on our behalf.

Dr. Jen Gunter, Twitter’s resident gynecologist, is teaming up with our editors to answer your questions about all things women's health. From what's normal for your anatomy, to healthy sex, to clearing up the truth behind strange wellness claims, Dr. Gunter, who also writes a column called, The Cycle, promises to handle your questions with respect, forthrightness and honesty.

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To Go Bare Down There? (Published 2019) (2024)

FAQs

Should a 13 year old shave pubic hair? ›

Like clothing or hairstyle, maintaining pubic hair is a matter of individual preference. Some teens don't do anything with their pubic hair, leaving it to grow naturally. Some girls remove hair when they'll be wearing a bathing suit, and some remove hair regularly as part of their beauty routine.

How often should a woman shave her pubic hair? ›

To keep the pubic area smooth and hairless, you'll need to shave regularly, even daily.

Should a woman shave her pubic hair? ›

Your pubic hair is "protective," says Metz, and you don't *need* to remove it. But of course, if you prefer to trim, shave, wax, or otherwise remove your pubic hair, that's totally fine.

How should a woman trim pubic area? ›

Shave in the direction of the hair growth

Gently press down on the razor, pull the skin taut and shave in short, steady strokes in the direction of the hair growth. Rinse off the razor after each stroke to keep the blades clean.

Why does my 4 year old have pubic hair? ›

Premature pubarche, or the development of pubic hair before the age of 8 in girls or 9 in boys, is most commonly caused by premature adrenarche. Adrenarche is the maturation of the adrenal zona reticularis in both boys and girls, resulting in the development of pubic hair, axillary hair, and adult apocrine body odor.

What happens if I cut my pubic hair with scissors? ›

Trimming with scissors Using scissors can be a safe way to give the pubic area a well-groomed look. Since the operation does not come into contact with the skin, trimming the pubic hair with scissors has a relatively low risk of injury.

Why do I feel prickly after shaving pubic hair? ›

Folliculitis is typically caused by bacteria. Folliculitis causes red and white pimples to grow around the hair follicle resulting in that prickly feeling after shaving. Rest assured, mild cases of folliculitis should clear on its own within a number of days.

Why does pubic hair stop growing? ›

Pubic hair and hair on the body doesn't usually grow back after the menopause, this is due to levels of estrogen and progesterone remaining low as we continue to age.

Is it OK if I don't shave my pubic hair? ›

Some people choose to let their natural selves be. Since pubic hair removal usually isn't medically necessary, there's no reason it has to be removed. Some simply prefer the natural look. The texture of pubic hair can be unique and the patterns can vary in different places.

At what age does pubic hair stop growing? ›

Does your pubic hair stop growing at a certain age? Pubic hair may extend out to their thighs, and some girls may have a line of hair up to their belly button. Most girls attain their peak height by age 16, but some may continue growing through age 20.

How much pubic hair is normal for a woman? ›

According to board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Felice Gersh, MD, there is a “basic normal amount” of female pubic hair. She explains, "Typically it should cover all of the labia majora to the inner surface of the thighs and up to the pubic bone-roughly shaped like a triangle."

How long can pubic hair grow? ›

Most pubes grow between half an inch and 1.5 inches, according to Steixner.

Should I trim my pubic hair wet or dry? ›

Take a shower or bath

One of the best methods to prep your pubic area for a razor is to expose it to wet, moist heat. Following this step may seem tedious, but a hot shower is the perfect environment for softening pubic hair before a shave. If you don't have time to shower, wet a washcloth with warm water.

Where is the best place to trim your pubes? ›

Trim and shave pubic hair in the shower or tub for the easiest cleanup. Just like with other body hair, the best place to trim and shave pubic hair is in the tub or shower. This is the easiest way to contain all the trimmed hairs in one place.

What age does pubic hair come out? ›

It is normal for production of these hormones to increase (something we call adrenarche) and for pubic hair to appear after age 8 in girls or 9 in boys. The reason why this increase occurs earlier in some children is not known.

Does pubic hair cause odor? ›

But pubic hair isn't actually unhygienic. Like other hair on your body, your pubes trap sweat, oil, and bacteria. So, they might have a slightly stronger odor than other areas of your body. As long as you wash regularly, this shouldn't be cause for concern.

At what age does pubic hair turn white? ›

Some people start to have white hair in their 30s or 40s. But others have it as early as their teens or 20s.

Why is my pubic hair itchy? ›

Share on Pinterest Causes of itchy pubic hair include lice, razor burn, and contact dermatitis. Crabs, the common name for pubic lice, are tiny insects that feed off human blood, holding on to the hair for support. Although it is common for pubic lice to spread via sex, anyone can get them.

How do men remove hair from private parts? ›

Shaving
  1. Disinfect your razor.
  2. Wet your pubic hair so it's easier to cut.
  3. Choose a natural cream, moisturizer, or gel to lubricate the skin and reduce the chance of irritation or breakouts.
  4. Hold the skin tight and shave slowly and gently in the direction that your hairs grow.
  5. Rinse your razor after each swipe.
Mar 15, 2019

Why does it feel weird after I Shaved down there? ›

Your pubic hair region is more sensitive than your armpits and legs. So one reason why you might be hurting down there when the hair starts to grow back is because of razor burn, which can be itchy or painful. Another reason why you might be uncomfortable is because shaving can trigger ingrown hair growth.

Do your pubes itch after shaving? ›

Using a sharp razor means that you could cut yourself. Then there's the regrowth stage: Shaved hair grows back after a couple of days, and when it does it can be prickly or itchy. This can leave you feeling uncomfortable. There's also a chance some hairs will become ingrown.

How do you get smooth pubic area after shaving? ›

5 Secrets Strippers Use To Keep Their Bikini Lines Bump-Free
  1. Use conditioner instead of shaving gel or cream. ...
  2. Shave with the hair growth. ...
  3. Make sure your razor is sharp, not dull. ...
  4. Pat on some witch hazel after you shower. ...
  5. Apply a little coconut oil over your freshly shaved bikini line to help moisturise your skin.
Nov 13, 2018

Do men lose pubic hair as they age? ›

The scant data we do have suggests that the growth rate and density of pubic hair decreases with age for both women and men. This likely means that pubic hair loss occurs with age and is not a menopause-related phenomenon.

Are there benefits to removing pubic hair? ›

Keeping it clean can help prevent odor. In separate studies, 59% of women and 61% of men stated that they groomed their pubic region for hygienic purposes. However, there is currently no scientific evidence to suggest any health benefits associated with removing pubic hair — other than the removal of pubic lice.

When did females start shaving their pubic hair? ›

The practice of removing female body hair is not new, it can be traced back to ancient Rome and Egypt. Some of the first razors, made of copper, were used in Egypt and India around 3000 BCE. Egyptian women removed their head hair and considered pubic hair uncivilized.

What is the best way to remove pubic hair? ›

Shaving is the best way to get rid of pubic hair at home without pain, while trimming the hair at home is a painless method for a tidy-up. With the right tools and advice, shaving should be pain-free. And treating yourself to a bikini trimmer will make trimming a breeze.

Does pubic hair go GREY? ›

Just like the hair on the head, the hair on the rest of the body, including the pubic area, is subject to graying. As people age, their skin produces less melanin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for giving skin and hair its color.

How do models remove pubic hair? ›

Temporary options include shaving (by far the most popular method), waxing, depilatory creams, tweezing, and trimming. If going this route, it's best to use a light hand and keep antibiotic ointment close by to treat any nicks or bumps.

Is it normal for a girl to have hair on her bum? ›

Yes, it's normal! Let's get straight to the point: butt hair is perfectly normal, just like having hair on your legs and hair down there (aka pubic hair). In fact, most people have hair on their butt cheeks, in between their butt cheeks, or in both places.

Why does my pubic hair hurt when I touch it? ›

It's possible your pubic hair hurts because of ingrown hairs. These happen when the hair curls back inside the skin, rather than growing out of the skin like normal. This can cause irritating, itchy bumps that look like pimples.

Can you cut your own pubic hair with scissors? ›

Here's the procedure: Trim your hair with a pair of scissors or a body trimmer. Have a warm bath or shower to help open the pores and ease the shaving process. Use a quality shaving foam or gel which will help to soften the thick pubic hair and provide lubrication.

Why is my pubic hair itchy after I cut it with scissors? ›

Why do my pubes itch after trimming? The most common cause for itchy pubic hair is trimming with a dull blade or making contact with your skin. To prevent this focus on exfoliating your skin and hair, so it is less sensitive.

How do you trim your balls without making a mess? ›

Stand with one leg propped up on a sturdy surface, like a stool or the side of the tub. Use one hand to gently pull the skin taut (very important to avoid getting cut) and the other to carefully trim the hair using an electric trimmer or scissors. Trim the hairs as short as possible without touching the skin.

Do most people trim their pubes? ›

A majority of the U.S. does a lot of secret garden grooming. A recent study that surveyed a diverse group of women found that more than 80 percent of gals groom their pubes regularly. About 5 percent of ladies groom daily, but a monthly regimen is more common.

Should I trim pubes in shower? ›

A hot shower or bath is vital in the shaving process because it softens the skin and hair, allowing you to get a closer shave. It also rinses off any fresh clippings that could get in your way while you're trying to work.

How can a 13 year old get rid of pubic hair? ›

If you want to avoid the stubbly look you can get from shaving, you can use depilatories or wax. A depilatory is a cream or liquid that removes hair from the skin's surface. Depilatories work quickly, are available at drugstores and grocery stores, and are painless.

What should a 13 year old use to shave? ›

Disposable or safety razors.

If you go with a disposable or safety razor, you may also want to buy shaving cream or gel. These help lubricate skin and reduce the risk of nicks and cuts. There are many to choose from. Some even include moisturizers to help keep your skin from drying out.

How should a 13 year old shave? ›

Use short, slow strokes and remember to move the razor in the direction your hair is growing. Don't press too hard but don't be too gentle. Find the right touch by making sure the razor is cutting the hair and not your skin.

How long does pubic hair take to grow back after shaving female? ›

Pubic hair follows the same pattern as any other hair on your body. In a typical cycle, the entire three-phase process takes 30-44 days, according to a doctor at Men's Health. You can count on your pubes growing back at a steady rate of ⅛ inch per week, or 1 cm every three weeks.

Why does my daughter have hair on her private area? ›

In females: The hormones tell the ovaries to make the hormone estrogen and triggers the growth and release of eggs. Other puberty hormones come from the adrenal glands, a pair of glands that sit at the top of the kidneys. These hormones lead to the growth of pubic and underarm hair, body odor, and acne.

What age does pubic hair stop? ›

Does your pubic hair stop growing at a certain age? Pubic hair may extend out to their thighs, and some girls may have a line of hair up to their belly button. Most girls attain their peak height by age 16, but some may continue growing through age 20.

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